Dogs in Blue Jackets

From my friend Jackie Widen:

<<In 2001 I moved from Houston, Texas to Northern California–Santa Rosa to be precise.  It was the beginning of a wonderful new chapter for me; nearing 50 I decided to start a new life with my new husband in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.  I knew little of Santa Rosa but quickly discovered it to be lovely place to start over. It felt odd to wear sweat shirts in July.  Seriously?  The weather was upside down to me; it got downright chilly in the middle of summer!  Living right in the mecca of wine country was also a wonderful surprise.  Just driving through the miles and miles of vineyards felt sensual; and happily I fell in love with fine wines and it has become a forever passion.

As I navigated my new city I noticed a lot of interesting things; but it was the dogs that really fascinated me.  Often I would see folks walking with dogs; pups and older dogs, dressed in little blue jackets with gold trim.  The lettering on the jackets said “Canine Companions in Training – PLEASE DO NOT DISTRACT ME”.  Sadly, I did distract.  But I only wanted to learn about these cute dogs.  I learned that Santa Rosa was the center of an organization called Canine Companions for Independence.  Founded in 1975, this nonprofit has grown to be quite famous.  It is now the largest assistance dog organization in the world right in the middle of this lazy little wine country town. Who knew? Certainly not me.  Every time I came across one of these volunteers with a dog outfitted in his bright blue training jacket I asked more questions.  I learned that the dogs were mostly golden retriever or golden mixes and that the screening process to accept a puppy into the program was intense.  They not only wanted smart dogs but kind hearted, good natured animals.  One small inappropriate growl or bad temper fit was instant disqualification.  Of course these were still great dogs, and the waiting list for the “rejects” was very long.  Some of the dogs were so amazing that they bred them in hopes for litters of puppies with the same qualities.  The puppies would be fostered by teams of volunteers who would start their gentle training to distill the best of the best.  These are the pups that touched my heart, these blond bundles of happiness, trying valiantly to focus while I cooed to them – I would stumble upon them in stores, on the street, even in restaurants (California is pretty laid back about that!)  I even ran into a crew of training volunteers at Macy’s – they had the dogs with little booties on their paws, practicing going up and down the escalators!  Over and over and over again, so the dogs would not even blink when asked to go up this machinery.

I went back to work at a specialty ladies’ retailer.  Often the Canine Companion volunteers would stroll through with their “pupils”.  We got a laugh as they took the dogs into the dressing rooms – the dogs always licked the mirrors so we had to clean them after they left, but it was a happy chore.  One of my customers actually had a companion dog.  His name was Barkley and he was incredible.  He tried so hard not to move when his owner put him in a sit, but sometimes he would scoot towards me.  I admit, I was not helpful!  My customer was a lovely woman with a seizure disorder.  Barkley could sense when she was going to have a seizure and could warn her in advance.  Amazing!  I loved that dog; his coat was like silk.  I asked her once what she fed him.  She acted surprised.  She said “Well I fix dinner for my husband and Barkley every night; he eats what we eat – lean turkey or chicken or beef and vegetables, with rice and broth to moisten.”  Hmm, makes me wonder if that isn’t a good idea for my dog. (After reading what Miranda feeds her dogs I might have to make the effort.)

One evening at the shop a woman came in.  I asked her if I could help and she answered she needed a sweater.  Her accent was so familiar I had to ask “Are you from Texas?”  She said “Yes!  We are visiting from Houston and I didn’t realize it got so cold here!  I didn’t bring a sweater!”  Of course we began to chat, and I asked what brought her to Santa Rosa?  She hesitated but began…”Well, our son is 18, and is very, very bright.  He wants to study engineering, but he is also legally blind.  Because of his excellent tutors and teachers he did well in high school and has been offered a full scholarship to Texas A & M University in College Station, and the only way he can attend is if he can live independently.  So we are here at Canine Companions to begin the orientation to get him a dog.”  I told her that I had a son who graduated from A&M and that it was such a fine university – that being an Aggie was a proud accomplishment and that along with his Canine Companion he would have wonderful support from a generous student body known for its compassion and generous spirit.  That seemed to strike a chord with her.  I told her that I knew owners with dogs from this training center and they were amazing animals.  She agreed and shared that they had been told there was nowhere else in the country that could compare to the Santa Rosa organization. I also told her being an Aggie Mom would be a great experience, too.

I’ve since moved back to Texas.  Living in California was a wonderful adventure for 8 years but it was time to come home, and my husband and I are very happy here. When I think about my memories of California of course I think of the beauty of the area and those fine red wines – but meeting that woman and having that conversation still warms my heart.  I know her son is doing well.   It’s just something about those dogs in blue jackets. >>